The principle of responsive communion is very important in Nichiren Buddhism. To use an analogy, when talking on the phone, if the connection is good, we’ll be heard even if we speak softly, but if it’s bad, then sometimes the other person won’t be able to hear us even if we shout. In order for our prayers to be effective, we need to express them honestly and directly to the Gohonzon.
From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 122
Daisaku Ikeda
What is the most important requirement for advancing together in the unity of “many in body, one in mind”? It is for each of us to make the oneness of mentor and disciple the center of our lives. Sharing the same heart and spirit as our mentor is the key to us—a gathering of diverse individuals—uniting in a single purpose and thereby embodying the spirit of “many in body, one in mind.”
From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 218
Daisaku Ikeda
The universe, in its essence, is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo; our life is an expression of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo; and the Gohonzon is an embodiment of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Since all three are Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, they are essentially one and indivisible. Therefore, when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, our life and the universe are aligned around the Gohonzon—meshing together perfectly like cogs in a machine—and we begin to move in the direction of happiness and fulfillment.
From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 113-114
Daisaku Ikeda